Motorcycles are relatively easy to maintain compared to their four-wheeled counterparts. Many of the most important parts are easily accessible, and the drivetrain is simple to understand compared to the inner workings of a car, truck, or SUV. For decades, riders have found a certain zen in performing their own maintenance and repairs, which allows […]
Category: DIY
Keep Your Vehicle Looking Its Best: Stain Fighting 101
From precariously piled ice cream cones and tubes of bright red lipstick to nail polish, crumbs, sticky soda, and more, your vehicle’s upholstery is under constant assault from a variety of unsightly antagonists that are all conspiring to leave their mark. There are some ways to reduce the likelihood of a potential spill, but aside […]
From Bumper to Spooktacular: Easy Car Costumes for Trunk or Treat
Halloween has always been a night full of excitement, chills, and sweet treats. Traditionally, children dressed up in their favorite costumes and went door-to-door in their neighborhoods, shouting “trick or treat” in exchange for candy. However, over the years, a new tradition has emerged: Trunk or Treat. This first gained popularity in the late 1990s […]
Car Paint Touch-Up: How to Fix Minor Chips and Scratches
Your paint getting nicked is an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. From rocks and branches kicked up on the road to hail, wild animals, bouncing basketballs, and collisions, many hazards can damage your car’s finish. Regardless of how they happened, though, it’s important to address these blemishes at your earliest convenience. Even minor cosmetic […]
Everything You Need to Know About Dent Repair
No matter how safe a driver you might be or how observant you are when it comes to the rules of the road, the numbers aren’t on your side when it comes to auto accidents. There are over six million accidents on US roads every year, with the average American experiencing a collision three or […]
What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Car
Washing a car can feel pretty simple, but if you want to keep your vehicle in top condition, there are more pitfalls than you might think. Even models that are built to be tough as nails can be sensitive to the wrong cleaning products and techniques, and you don’t want to find out which ones […]
Taking a Crack at DIY Windshield Repair
We’ve all been there: you’re going about your daily drive, maybe commuting to work or running some errands around town, when you hear the dreaded crack of an object against your windshield. It could be a piece of road debris kicked up by a passing semi, rocks and gravel from an overloaded construction vehicle, or […]
Your Guide to Disposing of Old Engine Oil
So, you’ve successfully completed an oil change, now what? What exactly do you do with all that dirty oil you just filtered out of your car? Disposing of old oil properly is very important, especially when it comes to keeping stormwater and drainage systems clean and safe. You can’t just toss the oil in your […]
Adding a Touchscreen Infotainment System to an Older Vehicle
Cars, trucks, and SUVs are staying on the road longer than ever. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that in 2023, the average lifespan of a light vehicle in the US was 12.5 years. Whether it’s a classic muscle car you drive for pleasure or a ruggedly-built daily driver that’s tiding you over until you […]
Can DIY Maintenance Impact Your Car’s Warranty?
It can be quite satisfying to perform your own auto maintenance. You can save some money in the process, too. But can maintaining your car yourself instead of taking it to the shop affect your warranty coverage? That’s a great question with a relatively layered answer because, like so many other things in life, it’s […]
How to Install a Remote Start System in Your Car
For many of us, one of the great joys in life is working on our vehicles to either maintain them or add new features that let us customize our rides to offer everything we want. There’s no shortage of ways to add new features to your vehicle, and while some of them are quite simple, […]
Lifting Your Truck Is Easier Than You Might Think
If you’re into off-roading, you’ve probably heard about lift kits. They can be an advantage off the beaten path, increasing ground clearance and making room for larger tires better suited to off-road conditions. Drivers who use them also usually enjoy the higher point of view and more muscular looks. You may have wondered, “Is a […]
Elevate Your Jack and Jack Stand Knowledge
From changing your oil, coolant, and tires to working on your exhaust system or swapping out your brake pads and rotors, many of the most common DIY projects require the use of a car jack and jack stands. While many drivers are familiar with these vital pieces of automotive equipment, they don’t exactly qualify as […]
A Look at the Various Ways You Can Rain-Proof Your Windshield
When I first moved from Pennsylvania to the Sunshine State, I decided it would be a good idea to put some Rain-X glass water repellent on my windshield. After all, it was a two-day journey, and I was bound to run into some bad weather along the way, especially once I got to Florida. It […]
The Ultimate Guide to Bleeding Your Brakes
Is your brake pedal no longer feeling as solid as it used to—or worse, going straight to the floor when you press on it? Then you may be overdue for a brake bleed. This process is as important as changing pads or any other brake service to keep your vehicle working its best. However, plenty […]
Preparing Your Car for Success With a Track Alignment
Transforming a daily driver into a track car can require a substantial investment. From new shocks and engine tuning to upgraded brakes, tires, and exhaust systems, many fledgling track racers will soon understand why the pros need to plaster their rides with advertisements to help foot the bill. But while it’s easy to focus on […]
Put Winter Weather on Ice With These Snow Removal Tips
The winter season can bring all sorts of challenges for drivers. From slick streets and road salt to rough starts and towering snow banks that obscure your vision, winter driving is no picnic behind the wheel. Some of these issues can start to rear their head before you even leave your driveway, especially when it […]
What Can You Fix on Your Own, and When Do You Need a Pro?
Few things are quite as satisfying as working on your own vehicle, either making repairs or simply keeping up with maintenance to ensure it runs as well as possible. There are plenty of relatively simple tasks and repairs that just about anyone can do at home with minimal investment in tools or supplies, but there […]
Drip Tips: Spotting and Repairing a Leaky Sunroof
Sunroofs are an increasingly popular feature in today’s vehicles, with over 40 percent of all new cars, trucks, and SUVs shipping with a sunroof. That’s up almost 10 percent compared to 10 years ago, proving just how common the feature has become. Between enjoying a little slice of the heavens above and the sense of […]
Wire Education: A Brief Guide to Trailer Wiring
Whether you’re hauling a boat out to the lake, hooking up a camper for a wilderness adventure, or transporting landscaping equipment, being able to tow a trailer can go a long way in upping a vehicle’s utility. A good trailer is a worthwhile investment for any truck or SUV owner, transforming a daily driver into […]
How to Armor Your Truck for Adventure
When you are building a vehicle to take off-road, there are many aspects to consider. Big all-terrain tires and a suspension lift are two of the most important features, and are usually the first thing any adventurer adds to their truck. However, one of the most important upgrades is armor. From skid plates and rock […]